Comparative data were obtained from two populations of visually impaired non-GDOs-one group attending hospital ophthalmic and low vision clinics (n=50) the other social services rehabilitation clients (n=35).

All participants completed a questionnaire to elicit ophthalmic history, age, and registration details.

Results

GDOs were found to be significantly younger and more profoundly visually impaired than non-GDOs.

The main causes of visual impairment were retinitis pigmentosa (23%), optic atrophy (15%), and retinopathy of prematurity (7%). Ninety nine per cent of GDOs were registered blind and had been visually impaired for an average of 39 years.